PopSugar

Baby Planners Take Care of All the Baby Business

LilSugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:00:19 -0700

Once baby is on its way, mamas-to-be get a crash course in child gearing - the rearing comes later. The thin pink line on the pregnancy stick indicates that it's time to prepare. From nursery themes to stretch mark balm and choosing bottles to taking strollers for test rides, the nine months are jam packed with all kinds of activities.

Some women could care less which carrier and diaper cream they end up with while others don't have time to do the research - so two moms made a business out of lessening the pregnant woman's load. Melissa Gould and Ellie Miller founded The Baby Planners, a service that takes care of all those time consuming tasks for a fee. To see what services they offer, read more.

Offering The Baby Planners Picks, a list of products they endorse and consulting plans like Post Delivery Plan that can include a personal chef, the Adoption Plan and the Grandparent Plan, the women's packages start at $500. The ladies also provide Concierge Services, which take care of everything from having someone video the baby's birth to searching for a nanny.

Would you invest in their services?

Source

Lil Find: Skip Hop Day to Night Baby Log

LilSugar — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 05:00:33 -0700

Getting to your tot's first few pediatrician appointments with your lil one in tow is nothing short of a major accomplishment. Packing the diaper bag with all of the necessities, getting your babe outfitted and getting beyond the front door takes some strategy. So when the doctor asks you exactly how much milk your tot is getting and you can't remember, don't worry.

The Skip Hop Day to Night Baby Log ($39) tracks all of your baby's info in one central location. With sections for recording six months worth of feedings, diaper changes and sleep. The book comes with an illuminated "time capsule" that serves as a clock, timer and dim flashlight for recording middle of the night information without waking your sleeping beauty. When your infant passes the six-month mark, the book can be stored until the next child comes along and you try to recall just when your first-born began sleeping through the night or when she took her naps.

Track Diapers and Feedings on Lullaboards Baby Log

LilSugar — Wed, 27 May 2009 10:38:19 -0700

New parents anxiously track their wee one's feedings and changes. While some rely on notebooks and loose-leaf paper, others count on electronic devices to do the dirty work for them.

For the eco-conscience mom, Lullaboards ($28) is a dry erase system for reporting a baby or toddler's daily duties. The boards come with an attached dry erase marker and magnets and adhesives to attach to any surface. The boards are available in baby and toddler editions with numerous design options to choose from. Depending on the edition, the boards have space for recording feeding sessions, nap-times, diaper duty and to-do lists.

April Showers: Light Up the Festivities With Candles

LilSugar — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:00:00 -0700

Ask any party planner - from partysugar to fashion designer Erin Fetherston and they'll tell you small candles add a hint of elegance and romance to any gathering. One of the most precious baby showers I've ever attended was also the most simple. The hostess decorated with white lilies, gardenias floating in water and about 20 white votive candles.

Liven up a baby shower or brighten the day of mommy-to-be with the silly and sweet Bun in the Oven candle set (four for $9) or a selection of simple small flames. Party goers will glow just like the mom of honor.

Anthousa - $30.00	Cerina Candle - $32.50
Blissliving Home Patina Glass Votives - $30.00	Roost Etched Botanical Votives - $36.00
Ceramic Tray Candle Sets - $12.99	Blissliving Home Soren Double Glass Hurricanes - $40.00
Blissliving Home Venilla Bean Candles - $10.00	Blissliving Home Bergen Plate - $30.00
Blissliving Home Serenity Sphere Candle - $10.00

Photographer to Watch: Polly Wreford

CasaSugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:00:18 -0700

I just came across the beautiful work of London-based photographer Polly Wreford, and I'm completely spellbound. Her images are overflowing with gorgeous light and soft colors. She shoots lifestyle, interiors, and still life, but it just so happens that every room in her portfolio is more stunning than the next, not to mention completely inspiring for a deco-phile like me. Her work has appeared in many magazines and publications, including Homes & Gardens and Red, and in several books published by Ryland Peters & Small (UK publisher of Bazaar Style), including Simple Chic Flowers, The Wedding Planner, The Relaxed Home, At Home With White and Gifts for Baby. Polly Wreford is represented by Sarah Kaye. To see more of her work, read more.

Check out Polly's portfolio here!

View 36 Photos ›

Source

Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey Reunite in Malibu

PopSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 02:00:00 -0700

The Wedding Planner co-stars reconnected this weekend in LA after completing a half-mile ocean swim, an 18-mile bike ride, and a 4-mile run in support of the Children's Hospital of LA. Jennifer and Matt finished the 2008 Nautica Malibu Triathlon in just under 2 hours and 24 minutes and just over 1 hour and 30 minutes respectively. Both had the support of their partners by their side and while J Lo snuck in a kiss from Marc between events, Matt celebrated after the event with baby Levi who was nuzzled in Camila's carrier. The celebs hung out in a VIP section to relax post race where Jennifer gushed about how great she felt and how exciting it was to raise $127,000 for the hospital. Jennifer was using the training as a way to get back in shape after having twins seven months ago. MC Cindy Crawford just rubbed in how pretty she was sitting on the sideline looking gorgeous as usual.

To see lots more photos from the event just read more

View 28 Photos ›

Source and Flynet

Interview with Tori Spelling: She Talks Family Ties and 90210

LilSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:00:33 -0700

Tori Spelling is a Mott's mama. In addition to raising two children, the actress-turned-reality star-turned-author has teamed up with the apple juice and sauce company to create a downloadable playdate planner for mothers looking to simplify their kids' social calendars.

Best known for playing Donna Martin on her father's mega hit, Beverly Hills 90210, the star has strayed from her glitzy upbringing to create a down-to-earth foundation for her own party of five - husband, Dean McDermott, stepson, Jack, 9, son, Liam, 17-months and two-month-old daughter, Stella. While the media often focuses on the rift between the celeb and her mother, Candy - in conversation, it's clear that Tori's priority is to keep the communication lines open with her own children. Whether the 35-year-old is talking about Liam holding his lil sis for the first time, planning pirate playdates or suggesting her tot take Shiloh Jolie-Pitt as a girlfriend, it's evident that Tori is deeply committed to her kids.

Currently penning her second book, Mommywood, which hits shelves next Spring and waiting to see if Oxygen is going to pick up Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood for a fourth season, the celeb took time to chat with me about her latest endeavors. To see what she had to say about her family ties and any future on 90210, read more.

Lilsugar: You grew up with the best of things longing for a more normal life. Being that you lead a very public life and have a reality show, have you given up that goal?
Tori: Everyone has their own version of normal and we're definitely trying to live a normal life. On the outside there's the paparazzi, but what I create at home is a very normal environment for our entire family and that is what I long to give Liam.

Lilsugar: It's hectic for any mom to try to take her kids out, how do you deal with the paparazzi and your children's safety?
Tori: That one is really hard. We try to maintain as much privacy as we can and sometimes it's just unavoidable. They don't make it easy. I don't know if I could take both kids out alone. It's really helpful to have Dean or someone come out with me.

Lilsugar: Is parenthood what you expected?
Tori: It's just amazing. The best advice I ever listened to was when someone told me not to listen to anyone's advice because it's an individual experience and as a mom your instincts take over and that's the best thing.

Lilsugar: It's been rumored that your mother is writing a book, what do you think about it? Are you nervous of what she will tell?
Tori: I know nothing about it. I just read it like you. Nervous? No. Everyone has their own stories to tell about their life and everyone is entitled to do so. If she feels she needs to do that then I am all for it. Writing my book was very cathartic and I loved putting it out there.

Lilsugar: What's your best tip for mothers?
Tori: The best thing we've done with Liam is talked to him. We describe everything to him and we don't talk to him like he's a baby. His vocabulary is amazing and he understands so much and he's so happy. It's important to communicate with your child. Now that we've seen that it works, we're doing the same thing with Stella even though she's just two-months.

Lilsugar: Now that you have a son and a daughter, does it remind you of your relationship with your brother, Randy?
Tori: When we were young there was always a big age difference. He was 5 and I was 10 and we were never at the right ages, but then we got to be adults and it seemed like there was no age difference. I'm really excited about Stella and Liam growing up because they are so close in age, I think they will be best friends.

Lilsugar: Are you planning on having more kids?
Tori: If we are able to have more children that would be amazing. We definitely would love to have more children, but we want to take a break right now and focus on Liam, Stella and Jack and let them all become friends and then think about that in the future.

Lilsugar: What's your greatest hope for your children?
Tori: Gosh. Just love - to find love. My biggest thing is I want them to be communicative. I want our whole family to be able to talk about everything. Emotionally, I didn't have a lot of communication in my family growing up and I think it affected me as an adult. I want my children to feel like they can come to us about anything and that we can talk about everything. I can only hope that they find love the way I found it with Dean and that they have an amazing family.

Lilsugar: Since your father passed away, how do you keep his spirit alive for your children?
Tori: I have such amazing stories about my dad that I'll be able to tell Liam as he's growing up. We actually have a family wall in our new house and it has pictures of the family and the kids and there's a picture of my dad. Liam will never be able to be with him, but he'll definitely know who he was...

Lilsugar: Like many mothers, I grew up watching 90210 so I have to ask - there are rumors circulating that you are not going to be part of the spin-off since your salary didn't match that of the other stars. Is that true?
Tori: We don't know where those comments came from. I am currently not going to be involved, but I hope it does work out for the future and I don't want to discuss the reason why. But, it makes me sad that people posted that today. It should be about the show and not about monetary things.

Lilsugar: So, there's a chance you might be on it?
Tori: Um, maybe in the future.

Happy Birthday, (Not Pregnant) Fergie!

Molly — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:30:14 -0700

Fergie and Josh went out for a little pre-birthday dinner at Katsuya in Hollywood last night, and I gotta say Miss Fergie looked a little bleary eyed getting ready to ring in 33. Happy birthday, Fergie! I'm sure she loves that she has to spend her b-day week dispelling those pregnancy rumors - but she's doing it with a smile on her face. Sorry, Fergs. She told The Insider,

"I want to say this because I don't want people to think I keep getting pregnant and getting rid of these babies. No, I've never been pregnant! I'm 5 foot, 4, and I gain weight, basically, from the thighs up, so a couple pounds or a big meal and a bad picture at a bad angle and all of a sudden it's all over the place! ... I'm still getting used to saying the word fiancé! It's just a nice time. We're both working and living our lives together. It's a wonderful time. It's a happy time. We have to meet with the wedding planner and see!"

Well, I certainly love seeing these two together so I'll just sit tight and wait to see her in a wedding dress before holding my breath to see a baby bump.

View 7 Photos ›

Source

Sugar Shout Out: Download Our Entertainment Planner!

PopSugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 23:55:19 -0700

Buzz introduces a fabulous downloadable Spring entertainment planner!
Ask E. Jean for DearSugar: Why won't he have sex with me?
Would you wear plastic shoes?
Yum visits the legendary Pink's
Are the Pentagon and Bush Administration to blame for torture?
Five things you should do when your wallet is stolen
Bella puts beauty hypnotism to the test
Who is the king (or queen) of pet comedy?
Just one minute to a healthier you
Would you genetically select the sex of your baby?
Casa teaches us how to plant seeds
Did you meet your significant other online?
Time to weigh in: Dumb or awesome tattoos?
supermommie wants to know: Did you celebrate Earth Hour?

A Chic Coffee Break With Colin Cowie

partysugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:01:31 -0800

Recently, I was lucky enough to sit down with one of my idols: the extraordinary event planner Colin Cowie. We met for coffee on a sunny California afternoon and discussed his new book Chic, the do's and don'ts of being a fabulous hostess, and the formula for a successful and memorable party. Colin oozes chicness in everything he does, whether it's working as creative director of a yet-to-be-opened hotel in Hong Kong, planning a wedding for Middle Eastern royalty, or simply making dinner for a few friends in his stylish home.

To see what Colin had to say when we sat down together and to watch a video of our conversation, read more.

Colin is of Zambian descent and began his career in party planning as a caterer when he moved to the States over 20 years ago. He's created events for celebrities and magazines, and makes regular appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show. He's authored over five lifestyle and entertaining books and his company, Colin Cowie Lifestyle is a leading force in the world of premier events. He spends his time traveling the globe and has homes in New York and Florida. He collects tableware - candles, napkin holders, placemats, etc. - and is incredibly organized. Here is what he had to say:

PartySugar: What trends are emerging in party planning?
Colin Cowie: The uncatered and unproduced look. A seamless elegance. Anything that's expected is boring. You should tell a story, have an element of surprise. Even if it's just a residential party, change things around. Add a sculpture, rearrange furniture, etc.
PS: What was your most memorable party?
CC: The last one is always the most memorable. The one I am most excited about is always the next one. Certainly planning Oprah's Legends Ball was a 72-hour legendary moment. She is amazing, she really gets it. She and I speak the same language because she is the ultimate producer.

PS: What's your advice to the everyday hostess?
CC: The most important thing - when planning any event - is simplicity. Keep it easy and the spirit casual. Design menus that allow you to be with your guests. Make everything in advance and always remember, maintain a level of elegance and chicness.

PS: In your book, you discuss the do's/don'ts of being a proper host/guest. What was the worst host gift you ever received?
CC: The worst host gift is when the fourth person of the party arrives with a huge bouquet of flowers. I have to take time away from the party to find a vase and arrange them. At my parties I already have color coordinated floral arrangements and often times the gifted flowers don't match my color scheme. If you want to give flowers, send them the next day, after the party. The best gifts are always music and cookbooks. I love compilation CDs that my friends make specifically for me.

PS: What did you have for lunch today?
CC: I had the most fabulous lunch. It was a piece of fish cooked in a miso-ginger broth with Japanese mushrooms, baby white asparagus all wrapped in cedarwood. For dessert, I had a hollowed out Clementine filled with Clementine-orange sorbet. My friend made me this lunch and it was absolutely wonderful.

Photos Courtesy of Colin Miller